The 20+ Best Halloween Events for 2023 in NYC
Thinking about celebrating Halloween in NYC this year? It’s time to stop thinking and start planning because an NYC Halloween is one of the silliest and spookiest events of the year.
Looking for the best events on Halloween in NYC? Spending Halloween weekend in New York City? You’re in the right place! Halloween in NYC is a blast. From family-friendly Halloween concerts to haunted houses and one of the most famous Halloween parades in the country, there are endless ways to get dressed up, get scared, and get candy.
This year, Halloween is on Tuesday, October 31st, 2023. For both kids and adults, that means a weekend full of events!
NYC Halloween Events NYC
If you’re going to be in New York City for Halloween weekend, read on for some of the best events, parades, haunted houses, and historical tours to celebrate this spooky holiday. Some Halloween in NYC events even start as early as the Friday and Saturday before the big night.
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01
Village Halloween Parade
Other Events in West Village
The 50th annual Village Halloween Parade is happening! One of the most creative Halloween parties in NYC, this historic parade also happens to be one of the world’s largest Halloween parades.
Started in 1974 by puppeteer and mask maker Ralph Lee, the Village Halloween Parade features large puppets, dozens of marching bands, and the chance for everyone interested to come along and participate.
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02
See The Enchanting Pumpkin Flotilla at Central Park
Other Events in Harlem & Washington Heights
No, these pumpkins aren’t ghosts! They’re just a part of the historic Pumpkin Flotilla, one of many events happening on and around Halloween weekend at Central Park.
In addition to crafts, entertainment, and a trick-or-treat scavenger hunt, you can watch a whole flotilla of pumpkins float across the Harlem Meer at twilight. This annual event truly is a must-see for kids of all ages.
For the latest information on the event, including the timing for the Pumpkin Flotilla, head to Central Park’s official website.
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03
Broadway Sings Queen with a Live Orchestra
Other Events in Kips BayOur Highlight
Prepare for a musical extravaganza like no other with “Broadway Sings Queen!” As a distinguished concert in the series, Broadway’s finest vocal talents join forces with a robust 14-piece orchestra to deliver Queen’s iconic melodies in high-octane style.
Experience the unparalleled fusion as Queen’s timeless classics are given a fresh twist by Broadway’s elite! Broadway Sings® masterfully reinvents legendary tunes, backed by the powerful resonance of a grand orchestra. Dive into an evening where every chord, note, and lyric celebrates Queen’s legacy. Groove to your cherished hits, get your dance shoes on, and be part of a pulsating musical celebration that will leave an indelible mark on your memory!
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04
A Halloween Events for Kids: Pumpkin Nights & Bo at the Bronx Zoo
Other Attraction in Bronx
The Bronx Zoo’s annual family-friendly Halloween tradition is back again. Dress up (maybe as your favorite animal) and come on down to the zoo to enjoy the seasonal festivities. Activities from recent Boo at the Zoos have included magic & mind reading, pumpkin carving demonstrations, a candy trail, a costume parade, Halloween crafts, an extinct animal graveyard, the Wildlife Witch’s Super Scary Halloween Show, and trick or truth. This event takes place every Saturday and Sunday from September 30 through October 29 and Monday, October 9.
In addition to that Pumpkin Nights will debut. When? Starting on Thursday, September 28 it will run Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, October 29 (6 p.m. to 10 p.m.). To reserve your tickets, visit the Bronx Zoo’s official website.
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05
Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
Other Events in Outside of New York City
This is a view of the The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y. on October 8, 2016. (Photo by Tom Nycz)Taking a stroll through the NYC boroughs to see the carved pumpkins is a tradition. But if you want to see something truly impressive, it’s worth making the short trip out to either Long Island or Hudson Valley for the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze.
Featuring thousands of hand-carved pumpkins alongside impressive displays, the Blaze is a great all-ages event. Though some elements can be considered spooky, families can rest assured that there aren’t any shocking or scary elements. For more information on the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze and to reserve your tickets, check out this website.
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06
Candlelight: Friday the 13th Special - Spooky Movie Themes
Other Events in NoHoCandlelight concerts in New York let you experience live music in a very special way. At this event on Friday, October 13, 2023, the Highline String Quartet will perform various Halloween-inspired songs surrounded by glowing candles. The concert will last 65 minutes and will take place at The Sheen Center in NoHo.
Among the songs are familiar hits such as the Theme Song from Nightmare on Elm Street (Charles Bernstein), the Beetlejuice Theme Song by Danny Elfman and the Psycho Prelude by Bernard Herrmann. Suitable for ages 8 and up, tickets start at $50.
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07
Kids Halloween Concert
Other Events in Downtown BrooklynIf you’re looking for a kid-friendly show to take the kids to on Halloween weekend in NYC, this Mozart for Munchkins Kids Halloween Concert is a delightful option.
Themed for the holidays, this event features world-class musicians playing through both a classical repertoire with some more modern tunes mixed in. This relaxed, engaging environment also allows kids to wander, sing, and dance along to the music, so be sure to get them dressed up so they can enjoy the event to the fullest!
To get your tickets for the event, head to the official event page for the Kids Halloween Concert.
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08
Candlelight Halloween at Church of the Heavenly Rest
Other Events in Upper East SideCandlelight concerts in New York let you experience live music in a very unique way. At this event, the Highline String Quartet will perform various Halloween-inspired songs surrounded by glowing candles. The concert lasts 60 minutes and takes place at the Church of the Heavenly Rest on the Upper East Side.
Among the songs are popular hits such as Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the Halloween theme song by John Carpenter, and the Ghostbusters theme song by Ray Parker Jr. Suitable for ages 8 and up, tickets start at $35.
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09
Superfunland at the Museum of Sex! Journey Into The Erotic Carnival
Museum in Midtown Manhattan
Step into the intriguing world of the Museum of Sex, where there’s always a surprise waiting behind its discreet entrance! Introducing their latest exhibit, “SuperFunland: Journey into the Erotic Carnival,” a captivating indoor escapade that’s ideal for those cooler days. Dive into the sensory experience of a 4-D “Tunnel of Love” ride, seek insight from an erotic fortune-teller machine (intriguingly shaped like RuPaul), challenge yourself on a mechanical bull, and ascend a radiant climbing structure. This experience promises a delightful mix of thrill and allure!
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10
Candlelight Concerts: Halloween Classics in Brooklyn
Other Events in Brooklyn HeightsCandlelight concerts in New York let you experience live music in a very unique way. At this event, the Highline String Quartet will perform various Halloween-inspired songs surrounded by glowing candles. The concert lasts 60 minutes and takes place at the St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church in Brooklyn.
Among the songs are popular hits such as Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the Halloween theme song by John Carpenter, and the Ghostbusters theme song by Ray Parker Jr. Suitable for ages 8 and up, tickets start at $35.
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11
Go Pumpkin Picking At Decker Farm
Other Attraction in Staten Island
For one of the most traditional Halloween NYC activities, head out to Decker Farm in Historic Richmond Town, Staten Island.
Each year, Decker Farm does the Halloween season right with plenty of family-friendly activities. On October weekends, the farm offers hay rides, a corn maze, arts and crafts, face painting, and pumpkin picking. And at just a ferry ride away from Manhattan, adding this NYC Halloween stop is easy.
Pumpkin picking at Decker farm starts October 1st and goes through October 30th, 2022. Find out more information at the official site for Historic Richmond Town.
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12
Stop By The Spooky Fest
Other Events in Outside of New York CityFor a family-friendly good time that has varying levels of scares, see what’s lurking in the woods at the Center for Science, Teaching, and Learning’s Spooky Fest.
This all-ages event features both scary and non-scary attractions so everyone can enjoy. From the scarier Haunted Woods and a Maze of Horror to the calmer Enchanted Forest Walk and Kids Arts and Craft Area, there’s plenty of fun to be had.
The Spooky Fest traditionally happens on both Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month of October. Find out more about the CSTL’s Spooky Fest and reserve your tickets at their official website.
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13
Watch Halloween movies at the Rooftop Cinema Club
Other Art & Culture in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
The Rooftop Film Club, located atop the Skylawn Embassy Suites, screens movies from its elevated vantage point on multiple days throughout the fall. They even have a special Halloween lineup in store! Throughout October, they’ll showcase spine-tingling films like Rosemary’s Baby, Paranormal Activity, The Exorcist, The Shining, and American Psycho, in addition to beloved cult classics. Family favorites such as Coco and Monsters, Inc. are also on the roster. As Halloween nears, gear up for highlighted showings of Hocus Pocus and Halloween.
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14
Haunted Yacht Cruise Halloween Party
Cruise in Financial District
How about a Halloween party on a cruise ship? Imagine sailing along the waters off Manhattan, taking great photos of the Statue of Liberty and dancing to the biggest music hits at the same time. Sounds cool, doesn’t it? At the Haunted Yacht Cruise Halloween Party, you will get all that: sightseeing and partying in one.
The party is for ages 21 and up and tickets are available for $40. Costumes are encouraged but not mandatory and the party starts at 10 pm.
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15
Pumpkin World: Where Jack O’Lanterns Glow - New York
Other Events in Outside of New York CityFor a captivating Halloween event in New York, venture into Pumpkin World: A Luminous Realm of Jack O’Lanterns! Embark on a trail that ushers you into a mesmerizing universe where ordinary pumpkins are masterfully reshaped into astonishing displays—from grandiose dinosaurs and Halloween classics to deep-sea inhabitants, legendary domains, and beyond. Dive into an evening where the artistry of jack-o-lantern creation springs forth in all its radiant glory at Pumpkin World.
The Pumpkin Village is not just about gazing; it’s an experience. Capture memories with incredible photo opportunities, savor the flavors of seasonal delicacies, and indulge in a beer garden. And there’s more: Engage with the delightful Pumpkin Mascot Gourdo,
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16
Visit Halloween House at The Oculus
Building in Financial District
Seeking a more festive spin to your Halloween festivities? Dive into the enchantment of Halloween House at The Oculus this autumn. Launching on Friday, September 29, and spanning until Wednesday, November 1, Halloween House is set to dazzle again, after last year’s whopping 100,000 guests across its multiple venues. The iconic 185 Greenwich Street, a hub for transportation and retail, will be transformed into a Halloween wonderland featuring immersive and elaborately crafted themed rooms: from a luminescent Glow in the Dark chamber to the enigmatic Vampires’ Lair, the eerie Horror Movie Graveyard, and a cozy indoor pumpkin patch, to name a few.
Setting a new trend, Halloween House caters to all ages and is distinctive in its approach: it offers a rich ambiance with fine details, ensuring there’s no room for actors, unexpected scares, or flashing strobe lights, as mentioned in a press statement. As for the décor, anticipate a plethora of ghouls and haunting graveyards without the grisly gore or nightmarish entities.
For your tickets, visit the Halloween House website. Adult admissions are priced at $40, whereas entry for kids and below is available for $35.
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17
849 Halloween Ball
Other Events in Hell's KitchenThe annual 849 Halloween Ball is a wonderfully weird celebration of iconic artist Edward Gorey. Known for his dreadful, creepy, eerie drawings, this event makes that art immersive.
Filled with loving details and scary touches, the 849 Halloween Ball takes place at an Edwardian home in Manhattan. The evening is filled with musical and artistic performances – and this 21+ event also features an open bar.
For more details on the 849 Halloween Ball, check the official Gorey 849 page.
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18
The Haunted Tavern: A Dark Pop-Up Cocktail Experience in Brooklyn
Other Events in WilliamsburgVenture into The Haunted Tavern, an intoxicating cocktail adventure curated by none other than the descendants of the legendary Ichabod Crane. Journey into one of NYC’s eeriest locations, where the tavern keeper will lead you through a four-phase immersive cocktail saga. Listen intently to the spine-tingling stories that cast shadows over the venue and keep a watchful eye for the resident phantom that’s known to linger. As the evening unfolds, anticipate unexpected jolts—this mischievous spirit enjoys joining the soiree, especially to spook those audacious enough (or perhaps emboldened by their drinks) to step inside.
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19
Try pumpkin ice cream at the Museum of Ice Cream
Museum in SoHo
Throughout the month of October, Museum of Ice Cream has been adding autumnal flavors to their menu. Now they have Pumpkin soft serve ice cream and Haunted Cotton Candy! If you bought your ticket to the museum, you’ll be able to eat unlimited of these. Super cool museum!
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20
Trick or Drink NYC Halloween Bar Crawl
Other Tours in GramercyOn this Trick or Drink Halloween Bar Crawl, you’ll experience the best bars NYC has to offer. Following the motto “trick or treat”, you’ll move from bar to bar, except that you won’t get candy, but delicious drinks. You’ll get a wristband that gets you into all the participating bars and clubs without paying extra admission.
You’ll also get to enjoy special drinks without having to worry about your budget. Since this involves alcoholic beverages, you must be at least 21 years old and have your ID with you. This Halloween Bar Crawl takes place on three different days in October and each tour starts at Triona’s in Manhattan. Tickets are available for $20 per person.
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21
A Halloween Event in NYC with and for dogs: The Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade
Park in Alphabet City
Dogs don their finest, showcasing their adorable and imaginative outfits at the yearly Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade. Dubbed by CNN as “the world’s grandest dog costume parade,” it witnesses hundreds of dressed-up pups and attracts thousands of onlookers. The London Guardian playfully labels it, “Utterly Barkin’ Madness.” This year, furry participants vie for some truly enticing rewards!
When? October 21, 2023
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22
Get Your Scare On At Blood Manor
Other Events in TribecaThink you have what it takes to make it through Blood Manor? This first-class haunted house features 10,000 square feet of themed rooms, a labyrinth, and more in a creepy, scream-inducing atmosphere. Not recommended for children under 14, this attraction even has emergency exits for those who feel too scared.
Located in NYC’s Tribeca District, Blood Manor is a conveniently located haunted house that’s sure to make your NYC Halloween a memorable one.
Attention: This halloween event in NYC hasn’t been officially announced, yet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Halloween Events in New York
Is NYC having a Halloween Parade in 2023?
Yes, the Village Halloween Parade will be taking place on Tuesday, October 31st, 2023. It begins at 7pm.
What is the weather like in New York for Halloween?
Halloween weather in New York usually finds the city a bit cooler. Temperatures average a high of 64F (18 C) during the day and a low of 50F (10 C) during the night.
While it’s still advisable to check the weather before your arrival for Halloween weekend in NYC, it is normally pleasant to spend time outside.
Is it possible to trick-or-treat in NYC on Halloween?
Yes! If you are traveling with little ones and you would like to experience trick or treating in the Big Apple, you can. One of the best ways to do that is look up the park nearby where you’re staying at the NYCGovParks website to see what Halloween events they are hosting.
Another possibility is to search “trick or treat” and the neighborhood you’re staying in to see family-friendly neighborhoods or zones.
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